It is an ambitious social experiment of our moment in history - one that experts say could accomplish something that parents, schools and other governments have attempted with varying degrees of success: keeping kids off social media until they turn 16.
Australia's new law, approved by its Parliament last week, is an attempt to swim against many tides of modern life - formidable forces like technology, marketing, globalization and, of course, the iron will of a teenager. And like efforts of the past to protect kids from things that parents believe they're not ready for, the nation's move is both ambitious and not exactly simple, particularly in a world where young people are often shaped, defined and judged by the online company they keep.
The ban won't go into effect for another year. But how will Australia be able to enforce it? That's not clear, nor will it be easy. TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram have become so ingrained in young people's lives that going cold turkey will be difficult.
"Does the ban limit kids' free expression and - especially for those in vulnerable groups - isolate them and curtail their opportunity to connect with members of their community?"
This is, after all, the 21st century - an era when social media is the primary communications tool for most of those born in the past 25 years who seek common cultures through trends, music and memes. What happens when big swaths of that fall away?
"Is Australia's initiative a good development that will protect the vulnerable or could it become a well-meaning experiment with unintended consequences?"
The law will make platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram liable for fines up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for systemic failures to prevent children younger than 16 from holding accounts. "It's clear that social media companies have to be held accountable," said Jim Steyer.
Leaders around the world are watching Australia’s policy closely as many seek to protect young kids from internet dangers. Most nations have taken different routes such as parental consent requirements or minimum age limits.
"What's most important for kids...is real human connection," said Julie Scelfo. "Less time alone on screen means more time to connect."
The harms from social media have been documented since Facebook’s launch ushered in a new era in communication. Kids who spend more time on social media are more likely to experience depression and anxiety according to multiple studies.
"Many are exposed to inappropriate content including pornography and violence," leading them into negative spirals due to undeveloped brains susceptible to comparisons.
Paul Taske considers the ban "one of the most extreme violations of free speech" while expressing relief it can't happen under U.S.'s First Amendment rights.
This fall Norway announced plans banning under-15s from using social media while France tests smartphone bans at select schools potentially expanding nationwide if successful.
U.S lawmakers continue debating child online safety without enacting federal laws since COPPA (1998). Despite Senate passing legislation protecting children from dangerous content this July; progress stalled within House discussions delaying impactful tech accountability measures further still today...
Said Scelfo: "...we need policies holding Big Tech accountable ensuring products remain safe..."